Women's Basketball | 1/11/2010 8:53:37 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Methodist women's basketball team took control midway through the first half and never relinquished the lead as they held on for the 68-58 win over Meredith College.

The game was tied six times early in the first half before junior Dawn Sanderson gave the Monarchs the 15-13 lead with 7:37 to go in the half. The Monarchs (7-6, 3-3) extended their lead to 32-22 on free throws from sophomore Jordan Tyson before Meredith's Kaela Bellefeuil cut the lead to eight at the buzzer.

Methodist senior Michaela Myers gave the Monarchs' their largest lead of the game at 38-26 in the first three minutes of the second half. Meredith (4-5, 3-2) cut the lead to five, but a three-point play from Sanderson and a 3-pointer from freshman Emily Huneycutt extended the Monarchs' lead back to 11. With 3:20 to go in the game, the Angels moved within three points, but Methodist scored free throws down the stretch to win 68-58.

Sanderson paced the Monarchs with 16 points while Myers and freshman Jackie Lyles scored 11 points a piece. Senior Dezzire Gilliard added seven points and 10 rebounds.

The Monarchs took care of the basketball finishing with just 10 turnovers in the game while forcing 28 Meredith turnovers.

The Angels had four players in double figures led by Kristin Stewart with 14 points.

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